Faith Vickerman, Janesville, WI (1938-2014)

Faith Vickerman, age 76, of Janesville, WI, died on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home. Faith was born on March 26, 1938, in East Meadow, Long Island, NY, the daughter of Everett and Alameda (Long) Russell. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 1961, with a degree in English Literature. She trained and worked as a surgical nurse at Presbyterian St. Luke's and Cook County Hospitals in Chicago, as well as St. Mary's Madison, and Madison General. Faith married Thomas J. Vickerman on Aug. 27, 1973, in Janesville. Faith was known for her intelligence, sweet nature and outrageous sense of humor. She was an outspoken advocate for social justice and equality, especially proud of her involvement in the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider and marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Faith is survived by five children: Christina Vickerman of Janesville, Alice Vickerman of Atlanta, GA, Camillus Vickerman of Janesville, Deirdre Vickerman (William Burn) of Atlanta, GA, Brigid Vickerman (Aron Carr) of Madison, WI; three granddaughters: Arielle, Maya and Emily; a brother, Don Russell of Alberta, Canada; and three half-sisters: Cecelia Russell-Jayne, Priscilla Russell, and Sylvia Russell. In addition to her parents and her husband, Tom, Faith was predeceased by a brother, Everett Russell.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 313 Wall St., Janesville, with Fr. Stephen Umhoefer presiding. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the CHURCH. Burial will be at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Home. Assisting the family is HANSEN FUNERAL SERVICE, Janesville, 608-752-8800. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenfh.com